’93 Volvo 850 Radio Light Replacement Notes

[Mike H. II]

This procedure covers how to replace the lights inside the stock radio on a Volvo 850. I realize many people have replaced their car stereo by now but I’m throwing this procedure out there in case a couple people want to get their stereo lit again like I did. I originally did this work three years ago and posted the info elsewhere but since all the bulbs are still lit I figured it won’t hurt to get it into the archives here.

My car is a ’93 850 with the original SC-810 radio. Like many parts on the ‘93’s, the later stereo models are a little different but this procedure would apply to the later models too. The SC-810 uses 6.75V bulbs that are seemingly impossible to find. I used 5V bulbs that were just slightly brighter than the remaining bulbs so I recommend replacing them all. Just as your 12V car runs at 12.5V-13.5V, running a 5V bulb at about 6.5V seems to work OK, at least for three years so far. The intensity and color of the new bulbs matched the other dash lights very well. I keep my dash light brightness slider at about 80% brightness which is still easily readable and seems to greatly extend the bulb life.

Parts list for SC-810:

7 bulbs , T-1 miniature, Chicago Miniature Lamp P/N 683 (5V). I purchased at www.newark.com, P/N 96F5813, a 10 pack for $13. They have a $25 minimum order at that site.

Later models:

6 bulbs , T-1 miniature, Radio Shack type 7219 (12V), P/N 272-1092C, 2 pack about $1.69

1.) Find the radio code first – then remove the radio by pressing in the little latches on the side so they pop out and you can pull the unit out. Undo the connectors and pull out the antenna.

2.) Start disassembly with the knobs – they pull straight off. I had to pry a little with cardboard under the little screwdriver so I didn’t mark the faceplate. Remove a screw on each side in the black plastic track closest to the faceplate. On the top and bottom of the radio you will need to pry the faceplate off the metal frame of the radio. If you go gently, you’ll be able to see where it’s clipped on. This is a very complicated plastic part so you really don’t want to hurry and crack it.

3.) The printed circuit board you now see has all the bulbs on it in small plastic holders. The board is held in by 4 little twists of metal that passed through the board. Gently straighten them with a needlenose plier so they will be able to pass through the slot in the board. (Later model radios have 3 screws instead). The board now is removed by pulling straight out, but there is no easy way to do that. The pins that are still connected behind the board are near the preset button and volume knob areas. Gently pry from the sides a little being sure the metal tabs will pass through the circuit board but don’t bend anything too much. Once the board is free, the new bulbs can be installed.

4.) The bulbs are soldered into little plastic sockets that are soldered onto the board. I de-soldered the sockets from the boards to make it easier but you probably don’t have to. (Later model radios have sockets that untwist from the board) Remove the old bulb from the socket by twisting the bulb back and forth until the wires break off at the bulb. Pull the remaining wires out the sides of the socket and don’t cut them off. The bulb has a small rubbery cover that must be reused to give the correct green color. Gently roll the edge back without tearing it to remove them. Press the cover over the new bulb. Insert the new bulb into the socket by fishing the new long wires out the opposite sides of the socket. Be sure they aren’t crossed under the bulb anywhere. Twist the old wires and new wires together, solder, and cut off the excess. Resolder the socket to the board if you removed it.

5.) Reassemble the board by pressing it into the radio body, being sure the little metal tabs pass through the board and the pins enter the sockets underneath. Twist the metal tabs just a little to lock the board in place. (Later models replace the screws). Verify the bulbs will fit into the holes in the faceplate. Be sure there are no finger prints on the inside of the faceplate before you snap it back in place. Replace the two screws on the sides and press the knobs back on. Plug the radio back in the car and enter the code.

[MadeInJapan]

Pictured write-up here:

http://www.matthewsvolvosite.com/volvo_rad...replacement.php

You can never have more than enough information